HERMANAS OBLATAS DE LA PROVIDENCIA
The Oblate Sisters of Providence, a religious institute of pontifical right, was founded in 1829 by Elizabeth Clarissa Lange, a refugee from what is now known as Haiti. Fleeing from the turmoil and chaos of her native island, San Domingue, she settled with other Frenchspeaking refugees in Baltimore, Maryland, the busy port city and site of St. Mary's Seminary. The French priests there were sympathetic to the plight of these San Domingans, many of whom were well-educated.
Lange was deeply moved by the fact that the children of these refugees could not attend school, because Baltimore was a racist city in the segregated South and it was illegal to educate black children. Lange, woman of conviction and courage, brought into her own home as many of these children as she could, and gave them an education. This stop-gap school continued until her funds ran out.
It was at this time that one of the Sulpician priests, Father Joubert, realized the need for a school for the children who came to him for catechism. Aware of Lange's home school, he approached her about its future and suggested the foundation of a religious community which could perpetuate it. Unknown to him. she had long desired to become a religious, but because of her race, it was impossible.
This "Providence Moment" - when Lange and Joubert met and exchanged ideas - marked the beginning of the Oblate Congregation which was the first for Black women in the entire history of the Catholic Church. A deep concern for the poor, particularly in the area of education, and an abiding faith and trust in God's Providence, have continued to be their two-edged charism
From its controversial beginning, the Oblate Congregation has struggled through decades of social upheaval and challenges which only served to strengthen its resolve and will to survive. As time changes, the Oblates accept new challenges to their spiritual strength and courage. Today they have added a new dimension of leadership to pastoral work, parish planning, administration, adult education and retreats. Education continues to be one of their primary works. They can be found in ministries in seven States, the District of Columbia, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.
The Oblate Sisters of Providence profess the public vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
The Formation Process begins with Pre-Candidacy, when the woman's interest in the Congregation motivates her to become more acquainted with the members through visits and dialogue with the Vocation Director Candidacy begins when in mutual agreement the candidate moves into the House of Formation and focuses on the Congregation through a planned program of study under the Formation Director. During a Novitiate of two years, she focuses on prayer, study and relationship with God. Her second year of Novitiate may be spent in active ministry of the Congregation. At the end of a two-year Novitiate, if mutually agreeable to novice and the Congregation, she may be admitted to temporary vows for a period of three to six years, afier which she is admitted to final vows.
For More Information
Contact the Vocation Director
Oblate Sisters of Providence
701 Gun Road
Baltimore, MD 21227-3899
(410)242-8500 Fax: (410)242-4963